About Monroe!

About Monroe

Founded in 1785, Monroe is a community that has a shared vision that seeks to balance the opportunities of economic development with the stewardship that is required for historic preservation. Monroe is located about 17-miles north of Toledo, Ohio and about 35-miles south of Detroit and is also the county seat of Monroe County.

Monroe’s location on the west shore of Lake Erie and its River Raisin made it a natural crossroads for food and transportation that attracted the Potawatomi Tribe of Indians who first lived here.  Later, French missionaries, fur trappers, and settlers came for the same reasons.  Residents and visitors today continue to find Monroe to be a welcoming crossroads of historic and natural treasures. The city is home to the River Raisin National Battlefield Park, a War of 1812 site.

Besides being home to many historical sites and legendary figures, such as
George Armstrong Custer, Julius Sterling Morton, and many others, Monroe has many beautiful natural resources which our citizens can enjoy year round. Our waterside parks are the perfect backdrop to family gatherings and concerts. A sunset walk along the Mark G. Worrell Memorial Trail as it turns the corner at Frenchman’s Bend never fails to inspire. Exploring the winding River Raisin Heritage Trail of Sterling State Park out to the shores of Lake Erie is an adventure for all ages.

Center to all of this is the River Raisin, the heart of Monroe. Weaving through our city, the river reminds us all of our relationship with our natural surroundings, is an ever moving symbol of where we came from, and where we have yet to go.  The City of Monroe is a customer service-oriented Michigan municipal corporation that delivers a range of quality services to its 20K+ residents.  Monroe’s elected officials and staff strive to offer a premium return on taxpayers’ investment. We are happy you have an interest in our community, and hope you will enjoy all Monroe has to offer. 

Services and Amenities

  • Home to River Raisin National Battlefield Park.
  • Michigan’s third oldest community - founded in 1785, incorporated as a Village in 1817 and as a city in 1837.
  • A nearly half-mile long river walk along the south bank of the historic River Raisin.
  • Includes natural resources such as the Eagle Island Marsh of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and Sterling State Park on Lake Erie. An extensive system of 35-parks that encompass more than 530-acres. Parks and recreation offerings include everything from organized sports to jogging/walking trails, playscapes to a boat launch ramp, a concert bandshell with summer concert series, summer Tot Lot programs, and more.
  • 24/7 fire and police protection that includes advanced life support paramedic response.
  • A regional water utility that provides drinking water to not only City of Monroe residents, but also to those living in all of or parts of five-townships, and the Villages of Dundee and Maybee.
  • A regional provider of wastewater treatment to all or parts of two-townships and the City of Monroe.
  • Monroe Custer Airport, which has a 5,000-foot lighted runway, visual-aided landing system, and an automated weather reporting station that sends information to the National Weather Service.